Robinson R-44 Collision with Power Lines in Moscow Region

No fatalities • в районе н.п. Октябрьский Люберецкого района Московской области

A Robinson R-44 helicopter, registration RA-04373, struck overhead power lines during a flight near Oktyabrsky. The incident occurred during an unauthorized descent to a low altitude.

On July 9, 2022, a Robinson R-44 helicopter, registered as RA-04373, was conducting a scheduled 30-minute excursion flight. The planned route originated from the "Kondor-M" flying club, traveling via the Lyubertsy quarry and along the Moscow Ring Road before returning to the club.

The flight was operated by an individual entrepreneur under a verbal agreement with the aircraft owner. The pilot had obtained the necessary Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) authorization via the Internet at 08:45 on the day of the event. Prior to departure, the pilot performed pre-flight inspections and fueled the aircraft with 90 liters of 100 LL aviation gasoline and 7.6 liters of AeroShell Oil W 15W-50.

During the flight in Class C airspace, the aircraft entered the area of the Oktyabrsky settlement in the Luberetsky district. While the flight was intended for sightseeing, the aircraft descended to an extremely low altitude that was unrelated to the flight's intended purpose or course.

The helicopter RA-04373 collided with overhead power lines during this descent. No injuries or fatalities were reported following the incident.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by the pilot in command's lack of awareness regarding obstacles along the flight path and insufficient vigilance during an unjustified descent to a very low altitude. The lack of visible markings on the power lines also likely contributed to the collision.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-07-09 Robinson R-44 accident near в районе н.п. Октябрьский Люберецкого района Московской области?

A Robinson R-44 helicopter, registration RA-04373, struck overhead power lines during a flight near Oktyabrsky. The incident occurred during an unauthorized descent to a low altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 2022-07-09 Robinson R-44 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-07-09 involved a Robinson R-44, registration RA-04373, operated by Частное лицо, at в районе н.п. Октябрьский Люберецкого района Московской области.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by the pilot in command's lack of awareness regarding obstacles along the flight path and insufficient vigilance during an unjustified descent to a very low altitude. The lack of visible markings on the power lines also likely contributed to the collision.

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